Doctor of Public Policy – National Security Policy Prepare to Help Protect Our Nation with Advanced Public Policy Expertise

60
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Prepare to Spearhead Policies in Defense, Intelligence, and Government with Liberty’s Online Doctor of Public Policy – National Security Policy Degree
Liberty University’s online Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) – National Security Policy is designed to help equip you to address complex security challenges facing the United States today. In this program, you can learn how to make research-informed, evidence-based decisions in the realm of national security policy. From strategic analysis to policy development to crisis management, you can explore the use of research tools and methodologies to address issues in many different areas.
As a professional doctorate, the D.P.P. in National Security Policy emphasizes practical skills that may be applicable to a wide variety of careers, including public service at the national, state, or local levels; elective office; public policy analysis; advocacy organizations; or applied research and teaching on the subjects of public policy, political science, and government. By pursuing the national security policy specialization, you can focus specifically on how to craft policies that help safeguard our country’s citizens, institutions, and economy.
Whether you are already working in the public sector or looking to transition into a role in defense, intelligence, or policy advising, we’re committed to helping you pursue your unique goals. With a practical focus on solving real-world problems, Liberty’s public policy and national security policy program may be right for you if you aspire to become a leader who can help ensure the security of our nation.






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What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s Doctorate of Public Policy Degree in National Security Policy?
If you want to pursue your passion for public policy without sacrificing your current responsibilities, our doctorate of public policy may be right for you! We aim to offer the flexibility you need to balance your personal, professional, and academic commitments. With our 100% online courses, you can participate in the D.P.P. program from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, the classes have no set login times, so you can complete coursework on your schedule (as long as you adhere to assignment deadlines and course end dates).
At Liberty, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring both academic expertise and real-world knowledge to the classroom. Our D.P.P. professors have extensive backgrounds in fields like government, public policy, and leadership, offering valuable insights and practical skills that may be useful in a variety of careers. They are committed to helping you prepare to make an impact in your field, whether you’re working in government, nonprofit organizations, or other public policy roles.
Additionally, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), demonstrating our dedication to academic excellence. Whether you are a current or aspiring public policy professional, we strive to help bolster your expertise as you work toward your career goals.
What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Public Policy Online Degree in National Security Policy?
This program includes core public policy courses that dive into subjects such as policy analysis; policy formation and implementation; and the evaluation of policy through biblical, constitutional, and political lenses. You’ll also explore contemporary challenges facing America, a biblical model of statesmanship, and the changing landscape of competing political ideologies and worldviews. Other topics of study include the interplay between and among American state governments and the federal government as well as the structure and functionality of various political and economic institutions.
Within the national security policy specialization, you’ll dive into the following topics:
- Foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of national security policy
- Major debates and issues in national security policy
- The scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in national security policy
A major component of your degree will be the cultivation of research skills through a series of research methods and tools courses. By diving into case studies, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and research design, you can prepare to complete your capstone courses. These will serve as the pinnacle of the program, giving you the opportunity to showcase your abilities and conduct original research aimed at solving real-world policy problems.
Potential Career Opportunities
- Elected official
- Policy advisor
- Policy analyst
- Policy counsel/advocate
- Public administrator
- Research assistant
- University professor
Featured Courses
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government.
- View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required).
- Semester-long capstone courses emphasize preparation for professional practice.
Degree Completion Plan

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Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
Doctoral Full Time | $595/Credit |
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Doctoral Part Time | $650/Credit |
Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
- Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.
Transcript Policies
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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- Overview
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Why Choose Liberty?
- What Will You Study?
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
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